Medicare’s annual open enrollment period is here. This is an 8-week period of time when Medicare recipients can opt for different health care coverage. Whether it’s returning to traditional Medicare or signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan, the window for making changes opens on October 15th and closes on December 6th every year.

Unfortunately, seniors sometimes find it tough to navigate the maze of options that are available to them. Some stick with their current plan for fear of making a mistake by choosing a new one or simply because they feel overwhelmed by the process. A health plan that might have worked well in the past, may not be the best plan anymore. There may be a different choice that will provide better coverage or one that will save money.

Here are a few tips that can help you make the most of Medicare Open Enrollment this year.

Get Started: It’s Medicare Open Enrollment Time

You should have received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the mail in late September or early October. This notice is designed to inform you of any changes to Medicare—including costs—from this year to next. Take time to carefully review it and identify any changes that are important to your health care preferences.

It’s also essential to reflect on the past year’s coverage, as well as to review and explore other choices:

Reflect: Are you happy with your current providers and how well the plan meets your needs? Have you found yourself paying for an expensive prescription that isn’t covered? Have you been unable to see a favorite doctor because they aren’t part of your plan? Make a list of things you are happy with and those you aren’t.

Review: Gather the receipts from this year’s (or even the past two years) health care expenses. Add up all of the costs associated with your medical care, including premiums for gap insurance, co-pays, and uncovered expenses. This will help you compare the true cost of your current plan with others that are available.

Explore: If you are enrolled in traditional Medicare, you might want to explore Medicare Advantage plans, too. Some of these plans offer a wider range of benefits, even vision and dental coverage, for a reasonable price.

Fortunately, help is available if you are having difficulty figuring out which plan is best for 2021.

Online Resources for Support: If you are comfortable using online resources, the Medicare Plan Finder allows you to use your zip code to search for plans in your area. Easy Path to Choosing a Medicare Plan from the National Council on Aging is another easy-to-use resource. The site walks visitors through everything they need to know about Medicare plans.

State Health Insurance Assistance Plan (SHIP): Should you prefer to ask questions to an expert in real time, the SHIP program is available. SHIP advisors are available in every state. They answer questions about all things Medicare from prescription drug coverage to co-pays and out-of-pocket maximums.

If you found this information to be useful, we encourage you to bookmark and visit the Life Protect Blog often. It’s updated every week with information on aging, healthy living, senior safety, and more.

It’s Medicare open enrollment time again. If you are a Medicare recipient, take time to review your current plan and other options. Here’s how.

Preparing for Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment

Tending a garden, whether it’s vegetables or flowers, can bring about many mental and physical health benefits. The hobby is known to boost the spirit, reduce stress, improve core strength, and more. But for seniors with mobility struggles, it’s a pastime that can present challenges. For example, getting up and down to weed flower beds and dragging hoses around the yard become more difficult with age.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make this beneficial hobby safer for many older adults. Here are a few suggestions you may find useful.

Ways to Make Gardening Safer and More Accessible for Seniors

The first tip we have is to carefully plan the design of your garden. Think through how you can incorporate the flowers and vegetables you like, but in a way that minimizes the work needed to care for them. For example, group similar plants together. Locate plants that require frequent watering closest to a water spigot. That will mean less pulling hoses around the yard.

Other examples are to cluster together plants that need deadheading so you don’t have to get up and down from the ground multiple times. And locate herbs, veggies, and flowers you want to cut for indoor arrangements nearer to the door.

Growing your gardens in raised beds and containers eliminates the need to get up and down from the ground, which lowers the risk of a fall. Seniors with mobility problems or back pain will especially appreciate this. When herbs, flowers, and vegetables are planted at waist level, watering, weeding, and harvesting are all easier.

Another advantage is that raised beds and containers can be placed anywhere in the garden, from the patio to the front porch. That makes it even easier for people with disabilities or aging-related health issues to continue to garden.

Another way to minimize the work associated with gardening is to primarily choose plants that are native to your area. They usually require less frequent watering and fertilizing. If you aren’t sure what those are, talk with local growers at nearby greenhouses and nurseries. Another option is to search online databases like Native Plant Finder. Also, look for pest-resistant plants. That will help cut down on maintenance.

Before you dismiss this suggestion because it sounds too expensive, know that these systems come at a variety of price points. Talk with garden experts at your local home improvement store to explore your options. They may even have contractors who can help with the installation.

While many gardeners think a wheelbarrow is an ideal way to move heavy supplies around, a four-wheeled garden cart is usually a better choice. It can be pushed or pulled with less physical effort than a wheelbarrow, which often requires some lifting. Some carts are even designed with a dumping feature that makes unloading easier.

One more tip is to use a slow-release fertilizer. Fertilizer pellets that are inserted into the soil are often a good option. They allow you to simply “set and forget.” That’s not only more convenient but also much safer than fertilizers that attach to the end of a hose.

If you are looking for more ways to reduce the risk for experiencing a health problem during the warmer days ahead, Tips to Have a Safe Summer has good information.

Our final suggestion is to invest in a mobile monitoring device. In the event you experience an emergency while working in the garden, a simple press of a button on the unit can connect you with help. Call 1-844-203-5617 today to learn more!

Wondering how to make your garden safer and more senior friendly? These tips will be of interest.

Tips for Planning an Accessible Garden for Seniors

There’s no denying that online shopping is here to stay. It’s easy and convenient, especially for older adults who have mobility struggles or no longer do much driving. There is, however, a downside to sharing financial information digitally. For seniors who may not be very tech savvy, the risk is higher than for younger people.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), older adults lose an estimated $3 billion a year to what is known as elder fraud. The FBI says seniors are often targeted because they tend to be more trusting and less knowledgeable about technology. And many older adults are in strong financial positions, such as owning a home and having greater savings and investments.

So, what can you do to shop more safely online or to help older members of your family do so? Here are a few steps you can take to avoid online fraud and scams.

Use only credit cards, not debit cards, when shopping online

While many people like the convenience of a debit card, using one when you’re shopping online is not a good idea. If you pay with a debit card and fall victim to a scam, a thief can empty your financial account before you even know something is wrong. But when the vendor you buy from isn’t legitimate, or someone uses your card for online purchases, a credit card company will usually take quick action to protect you. Your bank likely will, as well, but it will take much longer. In the meantime, your accounts may be frozen until the investigation is complete.

Stick to shopping from stores you know and trust offline

Unfortunately, social media has become a popular way for unscrupulous people to target older adults for fraud. They buy ads featuring attractive clothing and household items for low prices. People click on the links, not realizing they’re scams. Shoppers’ products never arrive, or their credit card numbers are stolen, or both. One way to avoid that is to buy online only from stores you’ve visited in person. Also, go directly to the store’s website using a Google search. Never follow links you receive in an email or on a social media platform, no matter how legitimate they look.

Check the site’s security before shopping

Before you shop, it’s important to ensure the site is secure. This isn’t as difficult as it may sound. You can do that by verifying the site’s web address begins with “https” and has a tiny icon of a lock next to it. That combination signals a site is secure. If you don’t see that lock or the “s” after “http,” it’s best to avoid shopping on the site. Doing so might put you at risk for identity theft or other types of financial scams.

Finally, don’t set up your accounts to pay bills automatically and skip reviewing them on a regular basis. You could overlook fraudulent activity for months. This applies to your credit cards, investment accounts, and banking. It’s also a good idea to set up alerts so you are notified when a major charge is made, an account balance reaches a certain amount, or there is a login from a new device.

Learn More About Financial Scams Against Seniors

If you’d like to learn more about scams that target older adults, Financial Scams That Target Seniors is a good article to read. It offers more insight into the ways seniors fall victim to crime, from fake fundraisers to fraudulent contractors.

Older adults lose an estimated $3 billion a year due to crimes referred to as elder fraud. One of these is online shopping scams. Use these tips to stay safer.

How Seniors Can Stay Safe While Shopping Online

The statistics on falls among older adults are a real eye-opener: one in four seniors falls every year. That translates to one senior experiencing a fall every second of every day in the U.S. It is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Equally troubling is that once a senior has had a fall, they are two to three times more likely to fall again.

Contrary to what many people believe, falls are not a normal part of the aging process. There are steps older adults can take to avoid becoming one of those statistics. And it all starts with learning the most likely reasons why seniors might take a tumble.

If you are trying to lower your fall risk or that of a senior loved one, we have some suggestions you will find useful:

Unidentified hazards in the house: Older homes often weren’t built with senior safety in mind. While some hazards, such as steep stairs or the lack of a standalone shower, are easy to spot, others aren’t. Poor lighting is a good example, as are worn carpeting and throw rugs. By conducting a risk assessment of a loved one’s house, you might be able to identify and remedy potential hazards. This fall prevention checklist from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a good resource for evaluating a home’s safety.

Side effects from medication: This fall risk is sometimes overlooked. Medications frequently have side effects or create adverse reactions that include dizziness. They may cause an older adult to be unsteady on their feet, which may lead to a fall. The pharmacist or your primary care physician can help identify concerns. This list from Harvard Medical School will also help you learn more.

Poor hydration: Dehydration can also result in falls. And often people don’t even realize when they’re dehydrated. Unlike many younger adults, seniors didn’t grow up carrying water bottles with them everywhere. Some chronic health conditions, such as kidney disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, and ulcerative colitis, can also increase risk. Medications can play a role, too. Blood pressure medicine, chemotherapy, laxatives, and diabetes drugs are just a few that can cause dehydration.

Too much sitting: A sedentary lifestyle also puts people of all ages at higher risk of falling. Sitting too much and getting too little exercise can cause muscles to deteriorate. The loss of core strength can lead to balance problems that ultimately result in a fall. Unfortunately, once a senior has fallen, they may become fearful of doing so again. That may cause them to become even more sedentary. A senior who has had a fall might need physical or occupational therapy to help them regain confidence on their feet.

Unbalanced diet: Poor nutrition is another risk factor. For seniors who’ve given up driving, not wanting to ask friends and family for transportation to the grocery store can be the underlying reason. They rely for most of their meals on easy-to-prepare foods, such as frozen dinners and foods with a long shelf-life. While convenient, many are high in fat and sodium and low in nutritional value. Home-delivered meals, such as Hello Fresh or Home Chef, might be good solutions.

Vision problems: Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma become more common with age, as does a loss of depth perception. An older adult’s glasses might be outdated, causing them not to see well. All of these types of vision issues can lead to falls, especially in a house with uneven flooring, poor lighting, or a lot of stairs. It’s just one more reason why a home safety evaluation is helpful.

Finally, if you or a senior family member feels unsteady walking or rising from a chair, it’s probably a good idea to schedule a physical. A primary care physician will likely be able to determine the cause and create a plan for treating it.

Experiencing a fall when you are home alone can be frightening, especially if you aren’t able to reach the phone to call for assistance. That’s where a mobile monitoring device can come in handy. With a simple press of a button, the user will be connected with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths among seniors. Learn the most common risks and how to avoid them.

What Are the Leading Causes of Falls in Older Adults?

People often wonder how to achieve and maintain a positive outlook on life. Amidst a tumultuous political climate and global uncertainty, it may feel like a lofty goal to set for yourself. According to experts in positive psychology, one way to do that is by practicing gratitude. It’s linked to better physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

So, what is gratitude, and how can you make it a part of your daily life? Let’s take a closer look at both.

Gratitude is our ability to appreciate what we have. Some experts describe it as an emotion or feeling, while others say it’s actually a personality trait. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have a natural appreciation for your advantages in life, there are ways to develop it. And researchers say it’s important to do so.

Studies show that people who practice gratitude tend to be happier all around. Grateful people experience lower rates of depression, have fewer sleep issues, enjoy better relationships, and develop stronger immune systems. And we have a few ideas to help you begin to live with gratitude.

Start a gratitude journal: One of the easiest ways to get started is with a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, write down what you are grateful for or good things that happened during the day. Set a minimum goal for yourself, such as five or ten items each day. Remember, they don’t have to be major accomplishments. You could include a peaceful walk through your neighborhood with the dog or a nice conversation with a colleague at the water cooler. By focusing on small details, you will train your mind to look for the little things in life.

Be generous with compliments: Instead of zeroing in on people’s shortcomings, try looking for ways to compliment those around you. A friend with a flattering new haircut, a neighbor’s new front-door color, or the helpful grocery store cashier are examples of small things you can offer praise for in your daily life.

Volunteer for a cause: Nothing brings the good in your life into focus quite the way volunteering for a good cause does. Donating your time and talent, whether it’s with a cancer center, a hospice organization, a homeless shelter, or an animal rescue group, can help you feel more positive and grateful. If you aren’t sure how to find a volunteer opportunity nearby, call your local United Way organization to inquire.

Write weekly thank-you notes: Another practice that allows you to stay in a more positive frame of mind is to handwrite thank-you notes. Go through your gratitude journal at the end of each week and look for people who made a difference in your life. Take a few minutes to write them a letter expressing your appreciation.

Ban gossip from your life: When you are in a negative state of mind, it’s easy to pick away at people who seem more fortunate than you. In reality, that only pulls you further into a dark place. Make it a habit to refrain from talking negatively about people and to remove yourself from situations where gossip is flowing.

While it might seem difficult when times are tough, finding the bright spots—big or small—in each day will help you better navigate challenging circumstances.

If you are interested in health and wellness, senior safety, and caring for older adults, we invite you to bookmark this blog and visit often. We share new articles each week on topics ranging from the importance of good hydration to creating a bucket list!

Wondering how to develop a more positive outlook on life? It could be as easy as starting to recognize and be grateful for small things. Learn more here.

 5 Ways to Practice Gratitude, and Why You Should

No family caregiver likes to think an emergency will happen that leaves them unable to care for a senior loved one. But it’s a reality many families experience every day. A caregiver may face a crisis of their own, from an acute medical event to a car accident. If a backup caregiving plan isn’t in place, an older adult’s safety and well-being can be put at risk.

A caregiver backup plan should include two key areas. One is written copies of all your loved one’s medical information. The other is a list of people and senior care providers who can be counted on for assistance.

Assemble and Organize Key Health Information

First, you’ll want to gather together copies of your senior family member’s medical and legal information and organize it in a binder. While you might prefer to store all of this information digitally for your own use, the goal here is to make it as easy as possible for a member of your backup team to step in and take over. At a minimum, you’ll want this binder to include:

Legal documents: Start by creating a section for important legal documents. If your loved one has them, include their power of attorney, living will, and last will and testament. (The names of these documents may vary by state.) You should also include copies of any insurance cards and their long-term care insurance policy, if they have one.

Medication list/schedule: This is an important section to include. Be sure to update it any time a medication is added or discontinued. Document which physician prescribed each medication and when it needs to be taken. Don’t forget to incorporate over-the-counter medications. Just in case you’ll be unavailable for an extended period of time, also list the pharmacy where prescriptions are filled and whether some are sent via mail.

Summary medical history: The next section to add to your binder is your loved one’s medical history. List all their past surgeries and serious illnesses, as well as any chronic diseases that need to be managed. This is a good place to put copies of physician visit summaries, too.

Physician contact information: If you don’t already have one, create a list of all the physicians and medical providers the senior sees and what condition each one treats. Include phone numbers, fax numbers, and office addresses.

Daily routine information: If the senior has a structured daily routine or a special diet they need to stick to, include detailed notes in this section. Write down when they like to get up, what they prefer for meals, any reminders or prompts needed, and when they go to bed. Also note any tips for maintaining the older adult’s best quality of life.Interview and Screen Local Senior Care Providers

Interview and Screen Local Senior Care Providers

The second part of creating a caregiver backup plan is critical: develop a list of those who can be counted on to care for your loved one if you aren’t able to do so. This might be a combination of friends, family, and senior care professionals.

Friends and family who live nearby: Think about who you could trust with your loved one’s care and how quickly they could get to the senior in the event of an emergency. If there are family members who can help but live a great distance away, have a plan for someone to step in until family arrives. Include a list of these people and their contact information in your caregiver backup plan. It’s best to utilize friends and family your senior loved one is familiar with, especially if your loved one has dementia. One final tip is to review your binder of information ahead of time with each backup caregiver.

Professional caregivers: Many families find the support of a professional home care agency to be helpful when a family caregiver isn’t available. Some agencies can provide around-the-clock care. Before a crisis occurs, interview a few agencies and narrow the list of choices to two or three you feel comfortable with. Once or twice a month, if possible, use the services of the one you think is the best fit so the caregivers can get comfortable with the senior.

Assisted living communities: Many assisted living communities offer short-term respite care. This is a reliable solution when a caregiver becomes unavailable. Take time to research and tour nearby assisted living communities. Come up with one or two you feel would be a good fit for the senior and see what paperwork you might need to complete in advance. It might be a good idea to have the senior go for a trial stay, a few days or a week, before you actually need their services.

Another step that family caregivers can take to ensure a senior loved one’s safety is to invest in a mobile monitoring device. In the event of an emergency, a quick press of a button can summon help. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

If you are a caregiver responsible for a senior loved one, having a backup plan is important. Use these tips to create one.

How to Create an Emergency Caregiver Backup Plan

Preparing for Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment

Get Started: It’s Medicare Open Enrollment Time

Get Help with Medicare Open Enrollment

Follow the Life Protect Blog

Recent Posts